Some questions about One Step (original) and SX-70

[valdas]

I have just purchased an old original Polaroid One Step - I thought of it as a decoration item, just to put it on the shelf. But then decided to test it with the film. I bought SX-70 (Polaroid originals) and put it in - it did eject the protective dark-slide, but then when I try to shoot, the shutter won’t open (I can see the leaves moving somewhat but not opening) and the film won’t be ejected. Opening the door and re-inserting the pack sometimes ejects the film, but shutter does not operate properly. Is it toast or just a bad battery in the pack? I will probably test voltage later when I have access to the voltmeter, but please share some thoughts if you have any experience with this camera.

 

[madNbad]

Get a fresh pack of Impossible Project film and give it a try. From your description, it seems the battery in the film pack doesn’t have enough voltage to run the camera.

 

[valdas]

Get a fresh pack of Impossible Project film and give it a try. From your description, it seems the battery in the film pack doesn’t have enough voltage to run the camera.

Polaroid Originals is the same as Impossible (new name), but it could be that the film is still out of date.

 

[Mackinaw]

Their film does have a production date on the package. I suspect the problem is with the camera. The batteries Polaroid Originals use are very reliable. Also, One Step cameras take 600-series film, not SX-70. SX-70 film is rated at about ISO 160. 600-series film is ISO 600.

Jim B.

 

[valdas]

Their film does have a production date on the package. I suspect the problem is with the camera. The batteries Polaroid Originals use are very reliable. Also, One Step cameras take 600-series film, not SX-70. SX-70 film is rated at about ISO 160. 600-series film is ISO 600.

Jim B.

I disposed the package, but now I vaguely remember 06/10 as a production date. Regarding the film, the original sticker inside the camera clearly says “use sx-70 film and flashbar”.

 

[Mackinaw]

I disposed the package, but now I vaguely remember 06/10 as a production date. Regarding the film, the original sticker inside the camera clearly says “use sx-70 film and flashbar”.

My mistake. The original onestep did take SX-70 film. Apologies.

I doubt the film was made in June, 2010. IP was renamed to Polaroid Originals maybe two years ago.

Jim B.

 

[madNbad]

I forgot about the name change from Impossible to Polaroid Originals. Found a user manual and the suggestion for most problems concerning operation was to insert a fresh pack of film.

 

[valdas]

My mistake. The original onestep did take SX-70 film. Apologies.

I doubt the film was made in June, 2010. IP was renamed to Polaroid Originals maybe two years ago.

Jim B.

Well, I see that the protective dark-slide also has 06/10 printed on it, although it does not say it is a production date. So I now only have one way to test it - to buy another pack, making sure it is the fresh one. Maybe I can then reuse the “good” pack with OK voltage and move my unused film sheets to a new pack, will that work?

 

[sepiareverb]

It is easy to hack the packs/batteries. I used to do multiple exposures by removing the battery, exposing 2 or 3 times then replacing the battery and letting the camera spit out the sheet. The old Polaroid SX70 batteries had more than enough power for the 12 frames, I had a friend who used them to power little toys he made.